The National Judicial Council (NJC) has suspended three judges for one year without pay due to serious misconduct, including unlawful detention of litigants and abuse of judicial power. This decision was made during the NJC's 112th meeting, chaired by Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on November 3, 2026.

The suspended judges include Justice Hannatu Mohammed Kabir from the Nasarawa State High Court, Grand Kadi Mohammed Sani Salihu of the Jigawa State Sharia Court of Appeal, and Justice Sobere Biambo from the Rivers State High Court. Justice Kabir's suspension stems from her decision to detain a litigant for 58 days without following proper contempt proceedings, violating the litigant's right to fair hearing. In addition to her suspension, she has been barred from elevation for three years.

Grand Kadi Salihu faced suspension for exceeding his authority by reopening a judgment from the FCT Upper Area Court. His actions involved forming a committee to review a valid judgment, which was deemed an improper appeal against a competent court's decision. Like Justice Kabir, he has also been barred from elevation for three years.

Justice Biambo was sanctioned for ordering the arrest of litigants and imposing fines of N300,000 each in a civil matter without adhering to the required legal procedures. He too has been prohibited from elevation for three years.

In addition to the suspensions, the NJC cautioned eight other judges and issued warning letters to three others for their handling of various cases. Notably, Justice Kayode Agunloye of the FCT High Court was cautioned for improperly granting a fresh ex parte application for a Garnishee Order Nisi after a similar application had already been withdrawn and struck out.

Other judicial officers, including Justice Bello Kawu, received warnings for granting interim bail to former Attorney-General Abubakar Malami despite an existing remand order. Justices Danjuma Oyigbenu and Isa Ebini Kana were also warned for delivering judgments in appeals beyond the constitutionally mandated 90-day period.

The NJC reviewed a total of 35 petitions from its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees, dismissing 24 for lack of merit and recommending further investigation into four. One petition was placed in abeyance due to being sub judice, while investigations into a petition against Justice G. N. Ugbala of the Ebonyi State High Court will continue despite the withdrawal notice from the petitioner.

These actions by the NJC underline its commitment to upholding judicial integrity and ensuring that judicial officers adhere to established legal standards and due process.